Can I Take My Gun on a Road Trip This Summer?

Published on May 14, 2023
Duration: 6:57

This video explains how to legally transport firearms across state lines during road trips, focusing on the federal Safe Passage Provision (18 U.S. Code § 926A). It clarifies that as long as the firearm is unloaded and inaccessible to the occupants, travelers can pass through states with stricter gun laws, provided they are legally possessing the firearm in their originating and destination states.

Quick Summary

Under the federal Safe Passage Provision (18 U.S. Code § 926A), you can legally transport your firearm on a road trip through states with stricter gun laws. The firearm must be unloaded and stored in an inaccessible part of the vehicle, such as a locked trunk or a hard-sided locked case in an SUV.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Summer Road Trips and Firearms
  2. 01:16The Core Question: Can I Take My Gun on a Road Trip?
  3. 01:35Scenario: Traveling from State A to State B
  4. 02:36The Federal Solution: Firearm Owner's Protection Act
  5. 03:3818 U.S. Code § 926A: The Safe Passage Provision
  6. 04:06How the Safe Passage Law Works in Plain English
  7. 04:38Storage Requirements: Accessible vs. Inaccessible
  8. 05:14Defining 'Unloaded' for Transportation
  9. 06:02Conclusion: Yes, You Can Take Your Gun on a Road Trip

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally transport my firearm on a road trip through states with different gun laws?

Yes, under the federal Safe Passage Provision (18 U.S. Code § 926A), you can legally transport your firearm through states with stricter gun laws. The firearm must be unloaded and inaccessible to you and other occupants of the vehicle.

What are the requirements for transporting a firearm during an interstate road trip?

The firearm must be unloaded, and stored in a part of the vehicle you cannot access. For vehicles without a traditional trunk, a hard-sided locked case for an unloaded firearm meets this requirement.

What federal law protects my right to transport a firearm through other states?

The federal Safe Passage Provision, codified as 18 U.S. Code § 926A, was enacted as part of the Firearm Owner's Protection Act of 1986. It allows for the interstate transport of firearms under specific conditions.

How is an 'unloaded' firearm defined for interstate travel purposes?

Federal law doesn't explicitly define 'unloaded.' However, generally, a firearm is considered unloaded if it contains no ammunition in the chamber or magazine that is inserted into the firearm. For revolvers, no rounds in any cylinder is key.

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